IN CHRIST ALONE
Live Worship from Church of Christ the King
Brighton, England
featuring the Stoneleigh Band
www.cck.org.uk

Stuart Townend - worship leader, acoustic guitar
Kate Simmonds - worship leader
Lou Fellingham - worship leader, backing vocals
Nathan Fellingham - drums, percussion
Luke Fellingham - bass
Michael Sandeman - keyboards
Alan Rose - electric guitar
Mark Edwards - piano, loops, programming
Kevin Jamieson - acoustic guitar, bass, backing vocals
Lesley Parker - backing vocals
Elaine Patience - violin
Ben Castle - saxophones

Tracks:
  1.  We’ve come to praise You
  2.  Worship the Lord
  3.  All my days (Beautiful Saviour)
  4.  In Christ alone
  5.  When I was lost (There is a new song)
  6.  Who is there like You?
  7.  Thank you, Lord, You love us
  8.  O God of love (How good it is)
  9.  There is a passion
10.  You are my anchor
11.  I see You hanging there (For the cross)
12.  I am He that liveth
13.  There is a day

  Not every church has in it's worship team a string of well-known musicians, many internationally recognised and with solo output to their credit. But with names like David Fellingham, Stuart Townend, Paul Oakley, Kate Simmonds and all the members of Phatfish in it's ranks, such is the good fortune of Church of Christ the King in Brighton; a privilege the church well recognises, hence the formation in October 2000 of a Worship School to train worship leaders, song-writers and musicians from all over the UK. "In Christ Alone" brings together the rich talent of this church family for a special live recording of their own songs; a couple, like 'Beautiful Saviour' and Paul Oakley's 'Who is there like You' are already seasoned favourites; most others, although new compositions, are destined to become so very quickly!

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  For this excellent collection of songs really is superbly suited for congregational use - and these guys prove it most ably! Along with a full-sounding 100+ strong congregational 'choir', the worship team lead us through a selection of modern hymns that are not only wonderfully melodic, but also abound in rich theological truths. It's hard to pick out favourites, but Stuart Townend's title-track is a masterpiece that I'm sure Charles Wesley would be proud of, and Kate and Mike Simmond's catchy 'When I was lost' is one infectious delight. And while kids will love the 'Thank you Lord' chorus, another standout is found in Phatfish's powerful, 7.5 minute 'There is a day', a deeply worshipful anthem which is every bit as striking here as is the original on the band's new "Heavenbound" album.

  Though live, "In Christ Alone" carries a professional sound the whole way through. Indeed, not exactly newcomers to live worship, many of these musicians take part in the annual Stoneleigh event where they play in front of thousands of dedicated worshippers regularly. Unable to catch them there, you'll be well satisfied instead with this hour-long performance. For "In Christ Alone" is a Worship Experience you will not quickly forget!

Review by tom lennie

"Coming Out of Egypt"

  Leonard Jones' second release of the new Millennium, this live recording celebrates our Exodus by way of the Cross out of our bondage to sin and self. Thus the historic symbolism of the Israelites Coming out of Egypt under the leadership of Moses, which - including the miracle of the Red Sea parting - is related in the opening title-track, complete with mystical Eastern under-tones! Naturally - or rather, supernaturally - this 'coming out' leads to a 'coming in' - into the Promised Land, and into the glorious liberty of new life with Christ! Occasioned by peace, joy and intimacy with the Lord, the latter is variably expressed on tracks like the tenderly worshipful 'Beautiful cloak' and 'Inner court', where Suzy Wills takes main vocals and also leads some spontaneous praise. In fact, while Mr Jones is the album's main song-writer, Suzy and MorningStar newcomer Paulette Wooten co-wrote these two songs (the latter 10-mins plus in length!). Elsewhere, Leonard sings his beautiful new 'Lion's tree', which takes the musical form of an old Celtic hymn. However, while there are obvious suggestions to the contrary ('It's all about You', 'Oh God decrease me'), a sense of me-centredness creeps into some of the lyrics - e.g. 'I'm going to part that river'', 'I want to dance through the sky' - particularly epitomised in 'Superman' ('I am Superman....to my enemies I'm ten feet tall'). This approach I cannot applaud - yet I so appreciate the passion, intimacy and commitment which otherwise abound.

  Overall this is a highly diverse and creative set, which once again enjoys superb musical backing from the MorningStar worship team (hear that drum roll on 'Holding Your breath'!). You may know Jones' earlier works 'Oh Jah' and that masterpiece 'Mighty God' (both of which appear on the '96 "Worship" venture). If so, you may also wish to consider more recent output from the same pen. You'll find it here. He's calling us - Out of Egypt!

Review by tom lennie

"My heart Your Heart 3 - Take Me"

  Knowing the story behind an album's making can be essential to it's full appreciation. "Take Me", the first in this church's 'Rain, Lord Reign' series, was birthed in an intense time of seeking the Lord in prayer. The result was a powerful sense of God's presence as showers of blessing rained upon the worship team, and 'what we thought could become one CD will be several more'!

  Worship leader/main songwriter Kim Wilcox knows that expressions of true worship are many and varied; hence artwork, drama and dance are regular parts of the church's love offerings before His throne. Musically too, diverse worship forms are encompassed - celebration ('A part of the family', 'Blessings', 'Throne of mercy'), exaltation ('Great God', 'Percussion offering'), spiritual warfare ( 'Filling this temple'), dedication ('Your whole life', 'Take me', 'I bend my knee'), and, permeating all - a sweet and profound fragrance of intercession. And while the album cover warns that this music is not for those afraid of heights - neither is it for those who fear spiritual depth, for the intention (successful in my opinion) is to draw the listener into a deeper, richer place.

  Surely Tree of Life's strongest album so far, a powerful atmosphere of contrition, sincerity and holy boldness pervades all. Judge for yourself the effect of their unique and creative worship - but may your ultimate response be a simple one - 'Lord - Take Me'.

Review by tom lennie